Q. What is the difference between 'quadrivalent' and 'trivalent' flu shots?

A. Quadrivalent shots protect against four strains of the flu, Trivalent shots protect against three strains. Both protect against the influenza A H1N1 virus, influenza A H3N2 virus, and one B virus. Quadrivalent protects against a second B virus.Q. Should I opt to get quadrivalent instead of trivalent? Is it better?A. This is debatable, and should be left to the discretion of your physician. If your area is prone to the second B virus, your doctor or pharmacist may prefer to give you the quadrivalent shot. If the trivalent is the only version available, however, most doctors and pharmacists recommend getting that version.Q. Can the flu shot give me the flu?A. No, it cannot. The flu shot contains inactive material that allows the body to make antibodies to defend against the live flu virus. The material in the flu vaccine is not alive, and cannot multiply. Infectious diseases only propagate by multiplying, according to Dr. Cutler.Q. I have never been sick with the flu before. Should I still get a shot?A. As long as you are not allergic to any part of the vaccine, and are over the age of six months, you should most likely get a flu vaccine, even if you have not been sick with the flu before.Q. I am over the age of 65. Should I get a special flu shot?A. Yes, you should make sure to get the high dose version. This will ensure that the vaccine provides a good immunological response.Q. Is the flu shot safe if you are pregnant?A. Yes, it is safe to get the flu shot if you are pregnant, during any trimester.Q. Can I still get the nasal vaccine? Should I get it instead?A. While you may still be able to get the nasal vaccine at some locations, most doctors do not recommend it. It has been deemed ineffective against the flu, and is currently being reworked.Q. Where can I get a flu vaccine?A. The CDC has a website that allows you to look up vaccine locations near you. Check out

http://vaccine.healthmap.org to find a place to get your flu shot.- Brian Myszkowski